The Timberwolves' bench watches as Minnesota lost 131-102 in their final game of the season to the Denver Nuggets at Target Center in Minneapolis on April 26, 2012. From left, Luke Ridnour, Anthony Randolph, Darko Milicic behind in the second row, and Wayne Ellington .(Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)

The Timberwolves roster could face significant changes based on contract decisions that need to be made Saturday, June 30, on forwards Michael Beasley and Martell Webster and backup center-forward Anthony Randolph.

All three have had key roles for the Wolves, but club management has the opportunity to free up more salary-cap space and move in a different direction if it decides not to extend their contracts by Saturday’s midnight deadline.

Beasley and Randolph are due qualifying offers worth a combined $12.2 million. Both could become unrestricted free agents Sunday and would be free to sign with any team if they don’t receive offers from the Wolves. The Wolves have team options on Webster and backup center Brad Miller, who announced his retirement after the 2011-12 regular season, that need to be resolved.

Buyouts can be negotiated with Webster and Miller, shaving approximately $10.8 million off the Wolves’ player payroll.

If none of the four players returns, the Wolves could have available at least $22 million in additional salary-cap space, in the event a trade is generated with the Los Angeles Lakers to bring center- forward Pau Gasol to Minnesota. Gasol, the subject of trade rumors with the Wolves, has a guaranteed salary of more than $37 million over the final two years of his contract.

The contract decisions rest with Wolves owner Glen Taylor and club president of basketball operations David Kahn, who said before Thursday night’s NBA draft that the roster will have some turnover. Neither Kahn nor Taylor were available for comment Friday.

Of the four players in question, Beasley has the largest price tag. He is due $8.172 million in 2012-13, which would make him the Wolves’ second-highest-paid player behind all-star forward Kevin Love ($13.6 million).

Beasley’s limited production last season at small forward (11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds) could make it hard for Taylor and Kahn to justify raising the four-year veteran’s salary by almost $2 million.

Beasley has been in Los Angeles the past two weeks working out with former Lakers star Norm Nixon, who has become a confidant and father figure.

“Michael knows he didn’t play up to his potential last season,” Nixon said. “His focus right now is that he needs to perform wherever he goes. We’re making sure that whatever happens to him, he’ll be ready to play.”

The arrivals of Chase Budinger and second-round draft pick Robbie Hummel of Purdue also could make Beasley and Webster expendable. Including Wes Johnson and Derrick Williams, who spent time at small forward in his rookie season, the Wolves currently have six small forwards.

When asked if the increased depth at small forward could lead to some movement at the position, Kahn said, “Yes.”

If contracts are not offered to Beasley, Randolph and Webster, they can start negotiating with other teams Sunday. Because of the NBA’s 10-day moratorium on free agency, teams are not allowed to sign prospective free agents until July 11.

Beasley had interest from the Lakers before the trade deadline last season, and Nixon indicated that interest remains strong. The Lakers could sign Beasley as a free agent for much less money without losing a player(s) or draft pick(s).

“The Lakers would love Michael,” Nixon said. “If they have a chance to work him out after July 1, they would. Michael needs to be on a team where they need him to score, which would help make him a better defender.”

Beasley started the first seven games under coach Rick Adelman but never got back into the starting lineup after suffering a foot injury that cost him 11 games. Beasley missed eight other games because of hand and toe injuries.

Webster, acquired from Portland in a trade on the night of the 2010 draft, also had an injury concern with his lower back. He has undergone two surgeries since coming to the Wolves and never played a full season.

Tolliver also a free agent

Backup power forward Anthony Tolliver becomes an unrestricted free agent Sunday, when his two-year contract expires, but the Wolves do not have to make a decision on him Saturday.

Tolliver is not under contract for 2012-13, so the Wolves can wait until July 11 to re-sign him, if they choose to bring him back.

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